The new Oldham County EMS building in South Oldham has been deemed out of building code compliance in several regards during a recent inspection.

According to Robert Goodwin, senior deputy state fire marshal, the building had not previously been evaluated by state or local building inspectors. Goodwin was responding to a complaint made about the building, and found a number of deficiencies with the property.

The Era has received reports of at least two employees falling at the station because of unsafe stairways and is investigating those reports.

The building, located in Crestwood on Old La Grange Road, was purchased earlier this year by OCEMS and renovated, instead of constructing a new facility.

Goodwin found that there are three sets of stairs in the building that are not enclosed, nor do the stairs meet Kentucky Building Code for riser and tread dimensions.

He also noted that since the building is designated as S1 occupancy, meaning it is storage for moderately hazardous materials, it is not permitted to have a second story.

With adequate fire separation between the tenets, the building must adhere to the most restrictive construction type requirements.

Judge-Executive David Voegele said the second floor is being restricted until management has a complete understanding of the complaint.

“The area in question was not open to the public,” he said. “And is non-essential as far as the primary responsibilities of EMS.”

Voegele said the space was used primarily for storage and as an additional area for employees during down time.

Goodwin also wrote in his report that a girder supporting the second floor space was inadequately supported, and that several walls needed to be protected by material consistent with the S1 designation.

His report concluded “based on the severity of the violations that have been identified it is necessary for me to request the State Division of Building Code Enforcement to assist in achieving compliance for this facility.”

Voegele said the county is evaluating the report.

“County maintenance director Doug Johnson is studying the fire marshal’s complaint and will be providing management with an assessment,” Voegele said.